Amanda Shelley a physician's assistant in Gilbert, Ariz.; Nick Chute, a kitchen worker from Minneapolis; John Soranno, CEO of Punch Pizza from St. Paul; and Estiven Rodriguez, a student from New York City are among those invited by the president to the State of the Union Address. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY

President Obama promoted the idea that the federal government can help create economic opportunity through job training and college education programs during his State of the Union Address. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

President Obamasaid that "corporate profits and stock prices have rarely been higher," but the wages of average workers "have barely budged. Inequality has deepened. Upward mobility has stalled." H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY

Carlos Arredondo, left, and Jeff Bauman, of Boston are forever linked due to the attacks on the 117th Boston Marathon. Arredondo helped move a badly injured Jeff away from the bombing to safety. Bauman, 27, and Arredondo, 53, have become close friends. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY